Greenville County Teacher of the Year 2019-2020

Greenville County Schools

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Greenville County Schools

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Susan McCoy 8th Grade Science Greer Middle School

FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lori Robbins

English as a Second Language Mauldin High School

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jamie Walden Welding Enoree Career Center

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Kathryn Polley

Music Augusta Circle Elementary School

DIAVOLO | ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION ®

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE OCEAN SOUL WITH BRIAN SKERRY

Photo © Brian Skerry

HARLEM 100

TICKETS ARE

10!

PEACE PASSPORT

$

2019-2020 FIELD TRIP SERIES Introduce your students to the Peace Center through our Passport Series. Curated for students of all ages, our arts programs invite young learners to become global citizens in an active exploration of world music, dance, theater, poetry, and science.

Bring arts learning and literacy into your classroom with FREE Peace Center educator guides and student journals.

SCIENCE

MUSIC

THEATER

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: EXPLORING MARS WITH KOBIE BOYKINS Grade Levels: K-12 Sept. 16, 2019

DREAM WEAVING: GULLAH STORIES AND SONGS Grade Levels: 1-8 Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2019

MACBETH Grade Levels: 5-12 Oct. 17-18, 2019

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: OCEAN SOUL WITH BRIAN SKERRY Grade Levels: K-12 Jan. 13, 2020

HARLEM 100 Grade Levels: 3-12 Oct. 15, 2019

2

|

AQUILA THEATRE IN HOMER’S THE ODYSSEY Grade Levels: 6-12 Feb. 6, 2020

DANCE

WHO STOLE THE MONA LISA? Grade Levels: 1-8 Nov. 7, 2019

DIAVOLO | ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION® Grade Levels: K-12 Oct. 8, 2019

JAZZY ASH & THE LEAPING LIZARDS Grade Levels: Pre K-8 Nov. 18-19, 2019

CHE MALAMBO Grade Levels: K-12 Feb. 19, 2020

THIRD COAST PERCUSSION Grade Levels: K-8 Feb. 11, 2020

INLET DANCE THEATRE’S “WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?” Grade Levels: Pre K-3 Feb. 24-26, 2020

AQUILA THEATRE IN GEORGE ORWELL’S 1984 Grade Levels: 6-12 Feb. 5, 2020

WILDE CREATURES Grade Levels: K-6 Feb. 12-13, 2020 THE CASHORE MARIONETTES Grade Levels: 1-8 Mar. 11-12, 2020

LITERARY ARTS KWAME ALEXANDER Grade Levels: 6-9 Mar. 23, 2020

peacecenter.org/passport 2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

TEACHER

Susan McCoy

OF THE YEAR

8th Grade Science Greer Middle School

Teachers have the enormous responsibility of ensuring their students learn in a safe and nurturing environment. This task becomes more challenging when students come to school hungry, homeless, or have social or emotional needs. The social issues students face are nothing new to our 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Susan McCoy. While teaching at an elementary school, Mrs. McCoy had a student who was being raised by a teenage mother with little resources. “My Godgiven ability to see beyond the heart and true need helped me reach this student,” she said. “He was a young man who didn’t have the easiest life – but now is a middle school principal,” she said, referring to Dr. Edward Anderson, principal of Tanglewood Middle School.

This amazing Teacher of the Year recently felt called to apply for a teaching position at Tanglewood. She interviewed, was offered the job, and accepted it.

Just a few days later, though, McCoy thought she had made a mistake. She called Dr. Anderson back and turned down the job. But the decision weighed heavy on her heart, and she prayed for guidance. Not long after that, she received the message she had been waiting for: she needed to work for Dr. Anderson. She called him back, asked if the position was still available, and was happy to accept when Dr. Anderson again offered her the job. Mrs. McCoy will be joining the faculty at Tanglewood Middle in August, and is very excited at the opportunity to work for a former student.

As the mother of two sons, McCoy is passionate about keeping students away from dangerous situations outside of school. She volunteers for Switch, an organization that leads the effort to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Upstate. “I’ve been trained in prevention and dealing with trauma in 13-to-17 year-olds and I’ve come to learn that if they have their head down one day, maybe it’s not just that they’re tired, or stayed up too long, but

maybe Susan McCoy attended there’s something the College of Charleston, earning undergraduate and else going on,” she graduate degrees, and earned 60+ hours in science education at Furman and Clemson universities. She is a explained. volunteer with SWITCH SC Human Trafficking Prevention She learned from and the Julie Valentine Center. her husband, who is a law enforcement My God-given ability to see officer, Greenville has beyond the heart and true the highest number need helped me reach this student. of trafficking cases He was a young man who didn’t have in South Carolina the easiest life – but now is a middle and the need for school principal.” student prevention – Susan McCoy, 2019-20 Greenville is tremendous. “I County Schools Teacher of the Year received training so I can work with victims of human trafficking. With my students being in the prime targeted age, this is invaluable training to better understand them. Many times we stereotype certain students and communities, when in reality they live in a world that is so foreign to most of us and are dealing with issues that are out of their control. I want to be able to help those in need find success,” she said.

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

|

3

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

RUNNERS-UP FIRST RUNNER-UP

Lori Robbins

English as a Second Language | Mauldin High School In my classroom, students are redefining ‘home.’ Many have told me their vivid memories of their first day in an American school. They remember being hungry because they did not understand the lunch line procedures. They felt lonely because they could not communicate with anyone. I believe even small actions have a huge impact, so I try to turn their feelings of anxiety and fear into excitement and comfort.”

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Jamie Walden Welding| Enoree Career Center

My greatest contribution is simply the employability of my students. I love hearing success stories of former students who come back to visit, call, or text. They send pictures of themselves with certifications, classes they have taken, and huge first paychecks. There is nothing more rewarding than a student who has taken all the knowledge I have given him and surpassed what I can do.”

THIRD RUNNER-UP

Kathryn Polley Music| Augusta Circle Elementary

In my music classroom, students are constantly challenged to express themselves through singing, playing instruments, moving, composing, and improvising. For example, as students perform, their classmates offer specific positive feedback, affirming their peers’ creative expression. Because of this supportive environment, students feel safe and accepted, allowing them to take risks with their learning, to create, and to collaborate.”

4

|

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

FINALISTS

Brooke Tidwell

Benjamin Sinnett Science Greenville Middle Academy

Math League Middle Academy

Charnley DeMeritt

Jill R. Parker

Krista Ennis

4-Year-Old Kindergarten Child Development Centers

STEM Lab Oakview Elementary

Kindergarten Skyland Elementary

Teresa Rozakos

Music Woodland Elementary 2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

|

5

2019-20 Teachers of the Year

DENISE KING A.J. Whittenberg Elementary

NICOLE WONG Alexander Elementary

KIM DENNEY Armstrong Elementary

LIBBY MILLER Beck Middle Academy

AMY STEVENSON Bell’s Crossing Elementary

PAM WHEELER Berea Elementary

APRIL THOMASON Berea High

ADAM DEVLIN Berea Middle

CHELSEA STEWART Bethel Elementary

AUSTIN ABERCROMBIE Blue Ridge High

AMY VERGA Blue Ridge Middle

DOUGLAS SULLIVAN Blythe Elementary Academy

COURTNEY LOZANO Brook Glenn Elementary

AMY MURPHY Brushy Creek Elementary

KAYLA HALVORSEN Bryson Elementary

SHERRY COLLINS HELMS Bryson Middle

CASSIE HEINZ Buena Vista Elementary

SARA LLOYD Carolina High & Academy

JORGE SANTOS Chandler Creek Elementary

ELIZABETH BOBINSKI Cherrydale Elementary

JENNIFER DAVIS Crestview Elementary

JEFFREY GOETHIE Donaldson Career Center

KARA LEIGH PULLEY Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle

HALEY H. WOOD Duncan Chapel Elementary

MADISON MILLS East North St. Elementary Academy

EMILY MOLIN Eastside High

TAYLOR SOWELL Ellen Woodside Elementary

RYAN ROTH Fine Arts Center

CHRISTINA MORONEY Fork Shoals School

JAMIE HAZEL Fountain Inn Elementary

JORDAN OSTEEN Gateway Elementary

JOSHUA SMITH Golden Strip Career Center

JENNIFER SCOGIN Greenbrier Elementary

REBEKAH GENOVESE Greenville Early College

EUGENE HINSON Greenville High Academy

6

|

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

2019-20 Teachers of the Year

ANDREA THOMASON Greer High

MISTY NATSKAKULA-KINK Grove Elementary

JEANNIE GULLY Heritage Elementary

ROBBY BELL Hillcrest High

CHRISTY HENSON Hillcrest Middle

LESLIE ABELL Hollis Elementary Academy

RACHAEL DMYTRIW Hughes Middle Academy

ROBERT TODD VARHOLY J. Harley Bonds Career Center

ANNA HANOR J.L. Mann High Academy

KATHERINE BEAVIN Lake Forest Elementary

LAUREN JOHNSON Lakeview Middle

CHRISSEY HUTTO Mauldin Elementary

MEGHAN SUTHERLAND Mauldin Middle

ALEXANDRA TOLBERT Mitchell Road Elementary

SHELLEY LEAVITT Monarch Elementary

LAURA-CATHERINE VERNON Monaview Elementary

JILL FRICK Mountain View Elementary

DEBRA WHATLEY Northwest Middle

BROOK PATTERSON Northwood Middle

AMY GASPARICH Paris Elementary

LAURA REEDER Pelham Road Elementary

ANNA GREEN Plain Elementary

GARY MCCARTNEY Ralph Chandler Middle

RACHELLE L. BIANCHI Riverside High

PAM VARNER Riverside Middle

MOLLY GRAVES Robert E. Cashion Elementary

KRISTIN BENCE Rudolph G. Gordon School

LACEY GOOD Sara Collins Elementary

CHRISTINE PLUMIER Sevier Middle

LINDSEY GORDON Simpsonville Elementary

GREG PATTON Slater-Marietta Elementary

JOSHUA TILLMAN Southside High

SAMANTHA LUNSFORD Sterling School

KARA NECKOPULOS Stone Elementary Academy

GINGER STANDISHMACDONALD Sue Cleveland Elementary

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

|

7

2019-20 Teachers of the Year

CHRIS MINARD Summit Drive Elementary

NARDIA LLOYD Washington Center

CODY YOUNCE Tanglewood Middle

CASSIE ALEXANDER Welcome Elementary

ANDREA FREEMAN Taylors Elementary

KARINE GLASS Thomas E. Kerns Elementary

HEATHER CLOY West Greenville School

JENNIFER BARTLETT Tigerville Elementary

MARSHA LYNN OLSON Westcliffe Elementary

JESSICA MOSES Travelers Rest High

DANIEL SCHNAARS Wade Hampton High

JILES MITCHELL Woodmont High

LISA BONDY Woodmont Middle

Greenville Federal Credit Union Honors

EMERGING TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes a second or third year teacher at the elementary and secondary levels for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for his/her school.

Elementary Level

Secondary Level

Music Bell’s Crossing Elementary School

English Blue Ridge High School

Erin Wilson

Educators at Bell’s Crossing Elementary School say music teacher Erin Wilson exudes professionalism from her positive demeanor to her willingness to learn and stretch her limits. Her inquisitiveness and motivation are seen in her daily interaction with students and staff and her eagerness to contribute to the school beyond classroom instruction. She connects with students and creates an interactive musical experience in her classroom. She directs the school’s chimes ensemble, practicing twice weekly and performing up to four concerts each year. She works closely with special education teachers to find ways to serve the sensory needs of emotionally disabled students.

8

|

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

Dani Sorrells Blue Ridge High English teacher Dani Sorrells brings literature to life with interactive projects that encourage student creativity. Students can demonstrate their understanding of literary assignments by writing songs, creating video games, and making visual displays to exhibit their knowledge. Students know she cares for them and wants them to succeed. Her classroom is a judgment-free zone where students are given the opportunity to blossom. Dani serves as the 10th grade Student Council sponsor, where she helped students organize a Snow Ball dance fundraiser. Her steadfast faith in her students and colleagues has improved Blue Ridge High School’s morale and climate.

CHEERS TO OUR OUTSTANDING TEACHERS. At Spinx, we know a thing or two about what it takes to be legendary—whether it’s South Carolina’s favorite fried chicken, or the incredible teachers who go above and beyond for our community.

As a family-owned company with deep roots in the Upstate, we’re committed to investing in the initiatives and events that share our passion for great schools, remarkable teachers and the positive impact they make on countless lives.

Congratulations to the Teacher of the Year winners—you make important work look easy.

WE’RE PROUD TO GIVE BACK.

Spinx is honored to support organizations that align with our charitable mission.

Learn more about our programs at myspinx.com/about/community/

SCHOOL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR the process The process of selecting the ten finalists began last fall when schools and centers selected their individual Teachers of the Year. Applications were reviewed by a Screening Committee. Five judges then selected the Top Ten finalists and the District Teacher of the Year.

SELECTING THE FINALISTS how we choose Each Top Ten candidate for Greenville County Teacher of the Year is judged on the nine areas included on the application form, a classroom visit, and an interview.

2019 Greenville County School Board of Trustees

Classroom and Interview In the classroom, judges observe the teacher’s command of subject matter, classroom environment, communication skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and classroom management skills. During the interview, candidates are judged on his or her use of effective communication skills, organization of response, knowledge and command of subject matter, and substance and relevance of response.

Selection Committee The members of the Selection Committee were Wade Kolb, Wyche Law Firm and Rotary Club of Greenville; Dr. Betty McConaghy, retired school administrator; Shiree Turner Fowler, former Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year; Bill Tyler, Chick-fil-A; and Dr. Phillip Wilder, Clemson University, higher education.

Bottom row, l to r: Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor, Lisa Wells, Joy Grayson, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Glenda Morrison-Fair.

Back row, l to r: Roger Meek, Roy Chamlee, Debi Bush, Derek Lewis, Chuck Saylors, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Pat Sudduth.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS • Bank of Travelers Rest • BMW Manufacturing Company • Chick-fil-A • Cowart Awards • Eplee + Associates • Expressions Unlimited

RECOGNITION BY LOCAL BUSINESSES The announcement naming Susan McCoy the 201920 Greenville County Teacher of the Year was made August 14 during a Teacher of the Year breakfast.

Special awards and prizes were provided for the top Greenville County teacher and other honorees.

10

|

2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

• Greenville Federal Credit Union • Greenville Journal • Herff Jones Harold Waters & Associates • Jostens • Metropolitan Arts Council

• Michelin North America Inc. • Papa John’s Pizza • Peace Center • Rotary Club of Greenville • Sam’s Club • Spinx • Sprint

Lynda Leventis-Wells 2019 Board Chairman W. Burke Royster, Ph.D. Superintendent

Greenville County Schools | www.greenville.k12.sc.us P. O. Box 2848 | Greenville, SC 29602 | 864-355-3100 The 2019-20 Teachers of the Year insert was written by the Communications Department of Greenville County Schools.

Mask making unit with Beck Academy students

Mask making unit with Beck Academy students Mask making Academy students Mask making unitunit withwith BeckBeck Academy students

What isSmartARTS? SmartARTS? What isSmartARTS? What What isisSmartARTS?

SmartARTS is the the Metropolitan Arts Council’s SmartARTS isthe Metropolitan Arts Council’s SmartARTS Metropolitan Arts Council’s SmartARTS isis the Metropolitan Arts Council’s arts education initiative that provides Greenville arts education initiative that provides Greenville arts education initiative that provides Greenville arts education initiative that provides Greenville County Schools with teaching artists, art supplies County Schools with teaching artists, art supplies County Schools with teaching artists, artart supplies County Schools with teaching artists, supplies and arts integration training to improve academic and arts integration training to improve academic and arts integration training to improve academic and arts integration training to improve academic achievement ininthe curricular areas of science, achievement in curricular areas of science, achievement the curricular areas of science, achievement inthe the curricular areas of science, math, history and languages arts. math, history and languages arts. math, history and languages arts. math, history and languages arts.

The programwas wasbegun begun in 2002 with with three grants from the The program 2002 threegrants grantsfrom fromthe the The program was begun inin 2002 with three The program was begun in 2002 with from the U.S. Department of Education that three totaledgrants $2.1 million.

U.S. U.S.Department Departmentof ofEducation Educationthat thattotaled totaled$2.1 $2.1million. million.

U.S. Department of Education that totaled $2.1 million.

Since the federal funding expired in 2007, MAC has raised over

Since the federal funding expired inin2007, MAC has over Since the federal funding expired 2007, MAC hasraised raised over $3.2 million tofunding expand the program into 73MAC schools throughout Since the federal expired ininto 2007, hasthroughout raised over $3.2 73 schools $3.2million millionto toexpand expandthe theprogram program into 73 schools throughout the district. $3.2 million to expand the the program into 73 schools throughout thedistrict. district. the district.

The 2019 annual training institute was attended by a recordThe training institute was attended bybya arecordThe2019 2019annual annual training institute was attended recordhigh of 84 teachers and 30 teaching artists.

The 2019 annual training institute was attended by a recordhigh 84 and teaching artists. highof of 84teachers teachers and30 30 teaching artists.

SmartARTS. This is MAC’s single foundation gift. at MAC with a gift of largest $200,000.

In In 2018, 2018, the the Graham Graham Foundation Foundation provided provided $220,000 $220,000for for SmartARTS. This is MAC’s single largest foundation gift.

SmartARTS. This is MAC’s single largest foundation gift.

In 2018, the Graham Foundation provided $220,000 for SmartARTS. This is MAC’s single largest foundation gift.

Ho

ia

ca lo

ec il

ith tw

la

la

In 2016, TD Bank established the TD Center for Arts Integration at MAC aagift ofof$200,000. at MACwith with gift $200,000.

In TD 2018, theestablished Graham Foundation provided $220,000 for In 2016, Bank the TD Center for Arts Integration

rt ist ,C ec rt ilia i Ho l a st , C ec rt i l ia ist ,C Ho la ec rt i l ia ist Ho ,C

high of 84 teachers and 30 teaching artists.

During the 2018-2019 academic year, SmartARTS channeled During academic channeled over the $192,000 directly into the year, schools to fund the teaching During the 2018-2019 2018-2019 academic year,SmartARTS SmartARTS channeled artists and the to provide supplies. over directly into schools totofund teaching During the 2018-2019 academic year, SmartARTS channeled over $192,000 $192,000 directly into the schools fundthe the teaching artists and supplies. over $192,000 directly the schools to fund the teaching artistsinto andto toprovide provide supplies.

Also during the year,and SmartARTS consisted of 89 arts-integrated artists to provide supplies. units in 24 schools.

The teaching artists worked directly with Also during the year, SmartARTS consisted of 8989 arts-integrated Also during the year, SmartARTS consisted of arts-integrated 6,905 students and spent 618 daysworked in the schools. units in 24 schools.

The teaching artists directly units in 24 schools.

The teaching artists of worked directlywith with Also during the year, SmartARTS consisted 89 arts-integrated 6,905 students and spent 618 days in the schools.

6,905 students and spent 618 daysworked in the schools. unitsInin2016, 24 schools.

The teaching artists directly with TD Bank established the TD Center for Arts Integration 6,905 students and spent days in the schools. at MAC with a 618 gift of $200,000.

In 2016, TD Bank established the TD Center for Arts Integration

ca a i c lo un th h lo ing i t l e t w lf i o t o i w W ca un nit lo ng u h elti lting t f l i o w Wo l fe

Woo

t l fel Woo

ing

it un

TD Center for Arts Integration at the Metropolitan Arts Council 16 Augusta Street | Greenville, SC 29611 | (864) 467-3132 | kimberly@greenvilleARTS.com greenvilleARTS.com/smartARTS | at the@smartARTSgvl #smartARTSgvl TD Center for Arts Integration Metropolitan Arts Council TD Center for Arts Integration at the Metropolitan Arts Council 16 Augusta Street | Greenville, SC 29611 | (864) 467-3132 | kimberly@greenvilleARTS.com 16 Augusta Street | Greenville, SC 29611 467-3132 | kimberly@greenvilleARTS.com greenvilleARTS.com/smartARTS | | (864) @smartARTSgvl #smartARTSgvl

greenvilleARTS.com/smartARTS | at the@smartARTSgvl #smartARTSgvl TD Center for Arts Integration Metropolitan Arts Council 16 Augusta Street | Greenville, SC 29611 | (864) 467-3132 | kimberly@greenvilleARTS.com greenvilleARTS.com/smartARTS | @smartARTSgvl #smartARTSgvl 2019-20 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year

|

11

Love your lender as much as you love your new home.

Greenville

3375 Pelham Rd. Greenville, SC 29615 864.371.6060

Greenville

1501 Wade Hampton Blvd.

Greenville, SC 29609 864.235.6309

Greer

107 W. Church St. Greer, SC 29650 864.877.9089

Mauldin

142 Tanner Rd. Greenville, SC 29607 864.676.9066

800.336.6309 greenvillefcu.com

The right mortgage from a trusted lender can make all the difference.

As a not-for-profit alternative to banks, Greenville Federal Credit Union offers you access to some of the best mortgage rates and options available–whether you need an ARM or fixed rate, standard, or jumbo.

• No PMI up to 90% loan to value • Low down payment • Mortgages up to 97% loan to value • Loans decided and serviced locally Let us help you save more with a mortgage that you can love.

Visit www.greenvillefcu.com to get started.

Our community-based charter allows anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Greenville County to join.

Mortgage loans are subject to credit approval. Member NCUA. © 2019 Greenville Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved.